Teams & Riders The Great Big Cycling Transfers, Extensions, and Rumours Thread

[Roku]

It looks like China is becoming more and more of option, especially compared to joining a European conti team. Here's an interview with Salby about it

'It's a viable option' - Alexander Salby on his move from pro level to racing in China

Danish sprinter took 11 UCI wins in 2025 in a year that saw him re-find cycling joy in the least expected place

globalpeloton.substack.com

The past couple of days, Jesper Rasch & Nils Sinschek (both did some strong races in China for Parkhotel this year), Alexander Konychev (Vorarlberg), Cameron Scott and Calum Johnston (Caja Rural) were all announced to make the move as well.

As Salby mentioned in the interview, so far it also seems to be infratructure were connections help a lot to get a deal.

Top Asian teams use to pay quite well, much more than a European Conti Team. If the cyclist can cope with living in China or Malaysia, money-wise the transfer is a very good option.

Japan as well, but i have the impression there are fewer openings in those teams currently and it is a much more attractive country in terms of lifestyle for europeans.

Sporting-wise, which has always been the main issue for eastern teams (apart from heading to such a different culture), it seems to be a better choice as well than it was five years ago, at least currently it is feasible to rebound and come back to the pro ranks.